Former transport minister S Iswaran pleads not guilty to 8 new charges in corruption probe

Singapore's former transport minister S Iswaran pleaded not guilty to eight new charges on Mar 25 morning, handed to him as part of a corruption case. Iswaran is accused of obtaining valuable things from Lum Kok Seng, who is the managing director of property and construction group Lum Chang Holdings. Its subsidiary Lum Chang Building Contractors was disqualified from bidding for a Land Transport Authority contract in November 2021. This is after two workers died at a worksite for addition and alteration works to Tanah Merah station and existing viaducts in December 2020 and September 2021. Iswaran now faces a total of 35 charges and is accused of obtaining over S$402,000 worth of items as a public servant. He will contest all charges. The Attorney-General's Chambers said it will take a decision on Lum Kok Seng after the case against Iswaran has been completed. Sherlyn Seah and Sabrina Ng report.